MARYVILLE, TN — The Maryville City Council is scheduled to discuss a resolution this week regarding a proposed $55 million bond to fund an expansion project at Maryville High School. The project, which aims to accommodate the growing student population, would involve the addition of 48 new classrooms and a new performing arts center.
Maryville Director of Schools, Mike Winstead, explained that the expansion is necessary to address the current demand and to prepare for future growth. “This takes care of our current needs, but it also provides us the space we need for the next 20 to 25 years as the high school continues to grow,” he said. Additionally, the expansion would allow 9th graders, who have been attending the middle school for years, to return to the high school campus.
While the expansion is seen as crucial for the school district, the proposed bond would result in an increase in property taxes for residents of Maryville. City Manager Greg McClain noted that the timing for the project is favorable, as the city is close to paying off existing debt, making it an ideal time to take on this new financial commitment. “We find ourselves right at the cusp of paying off some debt, which then allows us to take on this project,” McClain said.
However, not all members of the City Council are in favor of the proposed bond. Councilor Sarah Herron expressed concerns over the size and cost of the project. “I do think that we need some more space, but I don’t believe we need an expansion of this magnitude, certainly not for this cost,” Herron said. She also highlighted the potential impact on property taxes, estimating that homeowners could face an increase of a couple of hundred dollars annually.
Despite the concerns about the tax increase, some parents of Maryville High School students are supportive of the project. Sarah Greenway, a mother of a student at the high school, expressed her willingness to see property taxes rise in support of the school system. “I think a lot of people are here because of the schools, and like I said, no one wants to pay more property taxes, but we have to support our school system,” Greenway stated.
If approved, construction for the expansion project is slated to begin in March, with the goal of completing the work by August 2027. The upcoming council meeting on Tuesday will be the first of two readings on the matter, with a final decision expected in March.
The proposed bond would be a significant financial commitment for the city, but it is seen by some as necessary to ensure the continued growth and success of the Maryville School District. As the council prepares for further deliberation, residents and city leaders alike will be watching closely to see how the decision unfolds.
